NJ lawmakers, Chamber of Commerce take part in 81st 'Walk to Washington'

The annual event brings together legislators, companies and business owners together to discuss the state's most pressing issues

NEWARK — The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, along with Verizon brought legislators, companies and business owners together on Thursday to discuss the state's most pressing issues while on a train to Washington, D.C. as part of the 81st annual "Walk to Washington."

"It's an avenue for people to have great discussions, very fruitful discussions, and come up with great ideas and ways that we can improve the economy and grow jobs here in the state of New Jersey," said Michael Egenton, the Executive Vice President of the NJ Chamber of Commerce.

Verizon kicked off the first part of the day, sponsoring a breakfast that got attendees ready for at trip to the nation' capital. From the breakfast, attendees walk onto a private Amtrak train where 14 cars will be filled with people looking to make face-to-face connections that will make the Garden State better.

"We want to make sure the community is aware that we're interested in what their concerns are what the concerns are for the community and the constituents and if there's something we can do to make it better, we show them we're here for you and we can work together and partner," said Yolanda Stancil, Region President Mid-Atlantic North Wireline Operations for Verizon.

Lawmakers speaking to FiOS1 News say that now that the state has a newer governor, the event has become a unique way for both sides of the aisle to have their passions and the needs of their constituents heard.

"What we have to do is say, Democrat or Republican, look at each other and say let's compromise," said Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.